Richard Bratby

The two composers who defined British cinema also wrote inspired operas

Malcolm Arnold's nimble-witted Dancing Master is the obvious winner but William Alwyn's taut, chilling Miss Julie is no less impressive

Malcolm Arnold recycled parts of his opera The Dancing Master in his score for the 1954 film Hobson's Choice, starring Charles Laughton and Brenda de Banzie. Image: LMPC / Getty Images 
issue 20 February 2021
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